Psychosocial Intervention in an Elder Person with Depression: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The elderly are said to be more prone to depression as they become more isolated from their communities. Living alone, stressful life events, lack of social support systems, the recent loss of a loved one, lower socioeconomic status and presence of co-morbid medical illnesses are some of the risk factors for depression in the elderly which needs more than medical management. So, to demonstrate the scope, feasibility and possible outcome of the psychosocial intervention, a case of an elderly person with depressive disorder and associated psychosocial problems formed the background of this case report. The positive outcome of this case also gave us an opportunity to critically assess the feasibility of psychosocial intervention in a facility named “Psychosocial Intervention Clinic” which has started functioning recently in the Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh. Assessment & Management: The case presented here is that of a 78 years old, married, male, retired professor hailing from an upper-middle-class nuclear Hindu family with multiple psychosocial problems. Through an in-depth case study using face to face interview with the client and his family members, a psychosocial formulation was made and a plan for psychosocial intervention was made. As the sessions progressed, further associated issues were discussed. Consent was taken from the patient and family members for future possible reporting of this case in any journal. Outcome: After the psychosocial intervention, understanding and awareness about the illness and psychosocial problem related to that in the family was enhanced, there was better involvement and interactions among the family members, self-esteem of the client improved, unwanted behaviour of the clientdecreased, family decided to resolve the inter-personal issues and family conflicts were significantly minimized, The client was contended and satisfied with the outcome of the intervention. Conclusion: The case study illustrates the nature and extent of psychosocial problems in a case of elderly person with depression and enhanced the understanding on some psychosocial issues associated with depression in the elderly. It also demonstrated that psychosocial intervention plays a key role in the treatment of depression especially in the elderly.

Keywords: Elder person, depression, psychosocial intervention